Whether it’s a long lay-off like Conor McGregor or a discontinuation of retirement like BJ Penn, a number of MMA stars have returned to the UFC even after retirement or a prolonged period of separation. With the UFC continuing strongly to date, it’s quite evident that even more athletes might decide to follow the same path. However, the next instance of a UFC star returning to the promotion after a timeout might not be too far away.

It won’t be pretty wrong to call Nate Diaz a ‘people’s champ’. The ‘Stockton Slapper’ has always received massive support from the UFC community, despite never being a UFC champion. After his exit from the promotion at UFC 279, Diaz wanted to go to boxing. His wish has now materialized in the form of a bout between him and the noted YouTuber-boxer, Jake Paul, scheduled for 5 August. But, in a recent interview, the former UFC Welterweight revealed his further plans which might excite a number of UFC fans.

Nate Diaz talks about a possible UFC return

It was none other than the controversial MMA coverage personality, Ariel Helwani, who got in touch with Diaz for the interview. Also, it won’t be wrong to say that several UFC fans were eager to see Diaz back in the promotion. Well, this interview of Diaz with Helwani might have catered to their wishes.

In his signature style, Helwani predicted, “I think your next fight is gonna be in MMA. I don’t know where, but I think it’s gonna be in MMA”. Diaz’s answer probably pleased several MMA fans as he said, “Yeah. Probably”. However, ‘The Stockton native’ evidently wanted to stay focussed on his touted bout against Jake Paul on 5 August. “I’m not thinking past this right now. I think I’ll get that done when I know what I wanna do. I have ideas that I’m committed to”, said Diaz.

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UFC fans received the answer of their choice as Helwani questioned Diaz, “What kind of ideas? Can you share them with me?”. The 38-year-old stated, “Either be back in the UFC or do something like this MMA style.”

It may be agreed that Diaz’s words are quite believable. The UFC community isn’t new to athletes making a comeback after prolonged timeouts or even putting an end to their retirement to compete inside the octagon again.

“Nobody Did Anything”- Nate Diaz Gives Jorge Masvidal the Credit of Reviving His Fighting Career in the UFC While “Waiting” for 3 Years After Conor McGregor Fight

Also, looking at the number of UFC fans Diaz has, his return looks quite justified. In the same breath, Diaz also shut the door on him moving to other promotions for MMA. In doing so, he snubbed both Jake Paul and PFL.

The PFL is not on the horizon for Diaz

Following Diaz’s tease about a UFC return, Helwani questioned him about the other offers he had. Notably, Diaz’s current opponent, Jake Paul, had also offered him an MMA fight under the promotion, PFL. Moreover, he promised a purse of $10M to Diaz for this fight as well.

But, the ‘former ‘BMF’ contender of the UFC’ didn’t showcase much interest in that offer. He said, “I won’t fight for that organization. If we’re gonna do something, we’re gonna o something real”.

Evidently, Diaz saw the UFC as his home in MMA. After years of cornering his brother famed brother, Nick Diaz, he finally got into the promotion himself and has won a plethora of his fans with his “real” and nonchalant attitude.

Do you see ‘The Stockton Gangster’ coming home to the UFC? How soon do you think it might happen?

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